Sunday, August 13, 2017 7:40 pm

Kennedy to DL with concussion as TinCaps' injuries mount

CHRIS GOFF | The Journal Gazette

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A.J. Kennedy, one of the TinCaps' two primary catchers, was put on the disabled list prior to Sunday's 6-4 loss to Bowling Green.

After the game, Fort Wayne manager Anthony Contreras revealed Kennedy was diagnosed with a concussion. He was struck in the mask Friday night by a foul ball and appeared dazed as team trainer Allyse Kramer examined him.

Kennedy, Brad Zunica, Luis Anguizola, Mason Thompson and Marcus Greene Jr. have all hit the disabled list in a span of a little more than two weeks, handing the TinCaps a dose of adversity.

"You never know when it's going to come," Contreras said. "It always comes at some point during the season. Late July into August is kind of our moment right now."

Contreras is confident they can push through it with 21 games left in the regular season and likes this club's resiliency.

"Going all the way to the last out, they showed it today again," Contreras said. "We had an opportunity with the tying run coming up to the plate, and that's what it's all about. You can't get frustrated. All you want them to do is put themselves in a position to succeed."

The TinCaps have done that. They still hold a nine-game cushion for a playoff spot.

"When the whole team is pulling together, no matter how tired you are, everybody else around you will pick you up," Contreras said. "I think that's what's pushing them forward. I know they're tired. Everybody knows they're tired. It's that time of year."

On Monday night, the TinCaps open a four-game series in South Bend with Pedro Avila the scheduled starting pitcher. The rest of their rotation against the Cubs will be Ronald Bolanos on Tuesday, Reggie Lawson on Wednesday and Lake Bachar on Thursday.